Replacing Bi-ventricular Pacemaker

I have a question.....I have had an AV node ablation and bi-ventricular pacemaker implanted about 5 yrs ago. It's changed my life for the better, I feel normal again after having severe a-fib that could not be corrected any other way. Now they say that it's almost time to replace it....has anyone else have theirs replaced? Wondered if they can do it as an outpatient (as the basic pacemakers are), or because it controls my heart...would I have to spend the night in the hospital to be monitored?

Any advice would be appreciated....
Thanks, Claudia

3 Comments

outpatient

by Tracey_E - 2012-09-21 10:09:30

As long as we don't need a new lead, it's quick and easy. If I get an early appointment, I'm home fixing my own lunch. I have a regular pm rather than bivent but I don't think there's a difference as far as replacements go. The only time it's not pacing is the few seconds between the time they disconnect the old one and connect the new one. They have it all ready to go so it's very fast, and I've been on an external pm as backup (just big pads). I'm on my 4th now.

Thanks TraceyE

by ADalsmom - 2012-09-22 02:09:51

I know that a regular PM is a simple outpatient procedure, but since my Bi-ventricular PM is the only thing keeping my heart going (since they cut off all the electrical portion of my heart), thought they'd want to make sure it's adjusted properly and if anything should need to be done later after the procedure, I'd be in the hospital to catch it ASAP. I'll be speaking to my electrophysiologist in a month or so.....Thanks for your advice....Claudia

Replacing Bivent

by babuc - 2012-09-26 06:09:25

Hi,

I'll be replacing my Medtronic 3 lead ICD combo on 3rd Oct. The previous one lasted 4 years and 4 months. I'm told that the procedure will be over in about 1 hour max. Some patients have gone home same day. In my case, there are other factors so the doc has suggested that I stay in the hospital for 3 days just to make sure that everything is ok. I will be travelling from India to Dubai 6 days after the procedure. I'm all set and don't see any reason to be worried. Good luck!

babuc

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